Refiners and petrochemical manufacturers rely on complex supply chains to move oil, natural gas other feedstocks to their facilities and products to their customers.
Bringing the benefits of this increased energy production to U.S. consumers requires a “midstream infrastructure” — an integrated system of pipelines, ports and waterways, railroads, roadways and storage facilities that support moving America’s energy supplies from producer to consumer.
The United States has the largest network of energy pipelines in the world.
There are nearly 230,000 miles of crude oil, natural gas liquid (NGL) and refined-product pipelines in in the United States. Pipelines are the primary mode for transporting refined products to distribution terminals serving consumer markets. Pipelines provide a safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective way to move bulk liquids, particularly over long distances.
Although 230,000 miles of pipeline seems like a lot, it is not enough.
U.S. energy infrastructure development have not kept pace with U.S. crude oil production. Our nation cannot realize the full potential of our vast energy and petrochemical sector without building out our critical midstream infrastructure. Continued investment in highways, local roads and ports is needed by federal, state and local governments. Investments in pipelines, terminals and railroads are needed by private investors. Barriers and bureaucracies must be minimized in order to take full advantage of what increased energy production provides.
Fuel And Petrochemical Supply Chain Report